Spinning top toy



April 23, 1957 I J. PALMIERI 2,789,392

I SPINNING TOP TOY Filed June 20, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVEN TOR. JOHN PALMIERI April 23, 1957 J. PALMIERI ,7

SPINNING TOP TOY Filed June 20, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. Joan PALM IERI 2,789,392 Patented Ap 1 SPINNING TOP TOY John Palmieri, New York, N. Y. Application June 20, 1955, Serial No. 516,523

4 Claims. (Cl. 46-67) This invention relates to spinning tops and, more particularly, to new and useful improvements in'a top of the type which is spun by the use of a cord or string.

A primary object of the invention is to provide a spining top that will afford entertainment and amusement for children and others.

Another object of the invention is to provide a spinning top, the body of which is of such formation and contour that its balance is ensured during the spinning operation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a top of the cord-operated type with guide means for ensuring that the cord will be wound around the top body about the same predetermined circumscribing line and for providing a better frictional engagement of the cord with the surface of the top.

Still another object according to a modification of the invention is to provide means for relieving part of the resistance offered to the spinning operation by the weight of the top.

It is further proposed to produce a spinning top that is simple and rugged in'construction, pleasing in appearance and which can be manufactured and sold at a reasonable cost.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the followingdescription and accompanying drawings,

and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a spinning top embodying one form of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken on the plane of the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view thereof.

Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view thereof.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but showing a modified form of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken on the plane of the line 6--6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view of a spinning top embodying another modification of the invention.

Fig. 8 is a top plan view thereof.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4 of the drawings showing the first form of the invention, the spinning top shown herein is formed of one piece, of suitable material, such as wo od, synthetic plastic material and the like and includes a body portion 10 and a head portion 11. The body portion is substantially frusto-conical in shape, tapering downwardly and inwardly from its largest diameter as indicated at 12 to its center at the bottom where it converges into a rounded or semi-spherical projection 13 serving as the spinning point for the top. From its largest diameter 12, the body portion tapers upwardly and inwardly forming a comparatively short tapered upper portion 14.

The head portion 11 is of greater diameter than the body portion 10 and is designed and shaped to serve as a balance wheel, as a guide for the cord of the top and as a convenient hold for the hand in winding and spin ning the top. At its largest diameter, the head portion is formed with an annular rim 15, substantially round in cross section. The upper surface of the head portion is slightly convexed and the underside thereof tapers as indicated at 16, descending from said rim to the point 17 where it joins a semicircular annular groove 18 forming a neck portion between the head portion and body portion. The narrow peripheral edge of the head portion where it joins the rim 15 and the said rim :alford a firm hold for the fingers of the user when held ready for winding and spinning.

In' use, a cord or string 19 is wound around the top with one end placed in the neck 18 where it has a better frictional engagement with the surface of the body of the top. After the cord has been completely wound around the body, with the other end of the cord held in the hand of the user, the top is thrown in the usual manner for spinning the same with the point 13 down, and the rapid unwinding of the cord will revolve or spin the top rapidly. The shape of the point 13 is such that it will not penetrate its supporting surface and offers little resistance while in motion.

The modified form of the invention shown in Figs. 5 and 6 differs from the form of Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, in that the tapered body portion 10' terminates at its upper and widest portion in an annular beaded portion 20, with serrations 21 formed on its outer surface, afitording a gripping surface. In this form, the integral spinning point 13 of the form of Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, is replaced by a screw or nail, the shank 22 of which is driven into the body portion 10, with its rounded or semi-spherical head 23 impinging against the outer surface of the body portion. This head 23 serves as the spinning point, and at the same time reinforces the body portion at this point.

In all other respects, the form of the invention shown in Figs. 5 and 6 is similar to the form shown in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, and similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar parts.

In the modification of Figs. 7 and 8, the tapered body portion 10" of the top terminates at its bottom end in a flat portion 24. A nail 25 is driven through the flat portion 24 and into the body portion 10". The nail is provided with an elongated substantially frusto-conical shaped head 26, with a blunt outer end 27 and a fiat shoulder 28 at its opposite end. The shoulder seats against the flat portion 24 and the protruding head 26 serves as the spinning point for the top, at the same time reinforcin the body portion 10" at this point.

In this form of the invention, the head portion 11" of the top is formed with a plurality of radially arranged passages 29 extending therethrough at an inclination to the axis of the head portion. The passages are tapered with their largest end opening outwardly of the bottom of the head portion.

When spinning the top shown in Figs. 7 and 8, part of the air impinging against the under surface of the head portion 11" passes upwardly through the passages 29 and due to the resistance offered by the restricted upper end of the passages to said air, the air tends to lift the top from its supporting surface thereby relieving part of the weight of the top from the spinning point and accordingly reducing the resistance of such spinning point to the spinning operation with consequent better and longer spinning operation.

In all other respects, the form of invention shown in Figs. 7 and 8 is similar to the form shown in Figs. 1 to 4,

inclusive, and similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar parts.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it i to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and that various changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters 'Patent 1. A spinning top comprising a body portion having opposed upper and lower tapered sections, a head portion having a slightly convexed upper surface and having a lower tapered section, a neck portion connecting the upper tapered section of the body portion and the lower tapered section of the head portion, said neck portion being adapted to receive a cord wound about said body portion, said body portion having blunted round means serving as a spinning point for the top, said head portion being larger in diameter than said body portion, the upper convexed surface and the lower tapered section of the head portion terminating in a narrow peripheral edge, and an annular round rim formed integrally with said edge and encircling the same, said peripheral edge and said rim serving as a finger hold for manipulating the top.

2. A spinning top comprising a body portion having opposed upper and lower tapered sections, a head portion having a slightly convexed upper surface and having a lower tapered section, a neck portion connecting the upper tapered section of the body portion and the lower tapered section of the head portion, said body portion having blunted round means serving as a spinning point for the top, said head portion being larger in diameter than said body portion, the upper convexed surface and the lower tapered section of the head portion terminating in a narrow peripheral edge, and an annular round rim formed integrally with said edge and encircling the same, said peripheral edge and said rim serving as a finger hold for manipulating the top, said neck portion having a semicircular groove for receiving a cord wound about said body portion.

3. A spinning top comprising a body portion having opposed upper and lower tapered sections, a head portion having a slightly convexed upper surface and having a lower tapered section, a neck portion connecting the upper tapered section of the body portion and the lower tapered section of the head portion, said neck portion being adapted to receive a cord wound about said body portion, said body portion terminating at its outer end in a central integral semi-spherical projection serving as a spinning point for the top, said head portion being larger in diameter than said body portion, the upper convexed surface and the lower tapered section of the head portion terminating in a narrow peripheral edge, and an annular rim formed integrally with said peripheral edge and encircling the same, said peripheral edge and said rim serving as a finger hold for manipulating the top.

4. A spinning top comprising a body portion having opposed upper and lower tapered sections, a head portion having a lower tapered section, the upper surface of said head portion being slightly convexed, a neck portion connecting said upper tapered section of the body portion and the lower tapered section of the head portion, said neck portion having a semi-circular groove for receiving a cord wound about said body portion, a frusto-conical headed nail driven in the lower tapered section of the body portion at its center serving as the spinning point for the top, said head portion having a plurality of radially disposed passages extending therethrough at an inclination to the axis of the head portion, the upper ends of said passage opening outwardly of the upper surface of the head portion being restricted whereby air passing through said passages is resisted thereby exerting a lifting force on the-top.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

